What had just happened? All in two days, my family had disappeared, leaving me alone in the world, I had met three other teenagers and a pastor who had been left behind also, and now my trailer had burnt to the ground, leaving me with no home in the most chaotic period of time in history. I felt so alone, and I wished my mom were there to hug me, and say it's all right. But she wasn't there, and it wasn't all right. If Bruce was right, and the global vanishings had been the fore told, "Rapture," that meant that a tribulation period would soon follow.

I didn't know if I was ready for that, but I knew one thing. I missed God the first time around, but I sure wasn't going to miss Him this time. I had already prayed the prayer yesterday, while in a taxicab, but I still felt depressed. I guess I was going to feel that no matter what.

I was still lying on Judd's parents' bed from where I had fallen asleep hours before. It was getting dark outside, and I could still see smoke rising from the horizon. I got up and stretched. I couldn't believe my whole entire family was gone. After seeing the ashes of my trailer, Judd had invited me to live at his house- a giant suburban home that looked as big as a mansion.

I got up and took a shower, then put on Mrs. Thompson's robe and went downstairs. I saw that Judd was still asleep on the couch, and I didn't want to disturb him, so I went outside on the back porch. It was screened in, and the cool September air felt good. I looked around, and stared at the sky in a daze. I had never wanted to believe that there was a God, but now I knew that He existed and loved us. We are His creation, and so was that beautiful scene painted in the clouds. I stared at it mindlessly, not realizing that Judd had come outside and was standing behind me.

"Some scene, huh?" he said, gazing at the sky.

I swirled around surprised. "Where did you- I mean, how did you- you were on the couch asleep…"

He smiled. "I heard the back door open."

I blushed. "Sorry."

"It's okay," he walked over to the railing and leaned against it. "I'm glad you did. Wouldn't want to miss this."

"Yeah," I stammered. "It's beautiful."

Judd took his eyes off of the scene and glanced at me. "Are you wearing my mom's robe?"

How embarrassing, I thought. "Um, yeah. I couldn't decide what to wear, and I needed some fresh air. Is that okay?"

Judd gave a slight laugh. "I told you, you can wear whatever you want of my mother's. She's not going to, so why waste a bunch of clothes?"

"Right," I agreed. "Sorry, I forgot."

"It's okay. Hey, are you hungry? I think I'm gonna go fix some sandwiches. Want one?"

"Sure."

"Okay, I'll tell you when they're ready. Maybe after we eat we can go back to the church and tell Bruce the good news."

"Sounds like a plan to me."

He started to leave, but I stopped him. "Wait, Judd."

"What is it?" he asked, stopping and letting the back door swing shut.

I gently took his hand and looked into his brown eyes. "I just wanted to…"

"What?" he said, returning my gaze.

I knew it was wrong to feel attracted to a person I just met, especially after one of the greatest, most horrifying events of the world had just taken place, but I couldn't help smiling as I held his hand in my own and looked at him with a warm, content gaze. "I just, wanted to tell you thank you, that's all"

"Thank you? For what?"

"Judd!"

"Oh, about living here? Ah, no thanks needed. I wasn't about to let you live on the streets. We're brother and sister now."

"Yup," I said. That's all we are. Brother and sister in Christ.

He smiled and went inside. I looked up at the sunset once more, then followed him inside and went to my room to change. Maybe one day we could really get serious, but for now, we're just brother and sister.